The man had now become so much excited, that he commenced walking rapidly around the room, brandishing his weapon in a most reckless manner.
Hiram's situation was becoming critical. He did not lose his self-possession, but began to balance the chances of attempting to escape by moving swiftly to the door, against keeping his seat and closely watching the maniac.
As if divining what was passing in his mind, the madman suddenly placed his back to the door, as if to bar any egress, and commenced singing again.
Relief came at last.
Hiram, whose every sense was on the alert, thought he saw the knob of the door turn. He was not mistaken; for now it commenced partially to open.
The maniac, feeling the pressure, turned about, leaving the entrance free—and Dr. Ephraim Peters entered.
He seemed to take in matters at a glance. Addressing the madman in a calm but commanding tone, he said: 'How is it that you have disobeyed me? I shall not trust you again. Sit down.'
The effect was electrical. An entire change came over the countenance and bearing of the maniac; he dropped the cleaver, and, passing to the other side of the room, took a seat in close proximity to the corpse.
Then turning, the young doctor addressed Hiram: 'Is your presence here forced or voluntary?'
'Purely accidental.'